ABOUT THE SHIMANO TECHNIUM GLASSES
The Technium glasses are Shimano’s latest riding glasses, offering multi-discipline use and a wide variety of frame colors. The frames and lenses are made from 45% bio-based Arkema Rilsa, a bio-polymer which is extracted from the Castor plant and then converted into a polymer. This has a lower overall carbon footprint when compared to petroleum-based polymers.
When it comes to lenses, there are 6 options to choose from:
- Ridescape TR (Trail)
This lens is a lightly shaded lens that tackles quick hits of the sun but is not too dark to use when in the forest. Think of this as your do-it-all lens for most MTB riding outside of tree-free riding zones. - Ridescape RD (Road)
A road-focused lens aimed at boosting asphalt contrast with an overall darker tint to reduce eye strain. - Ridescape OR (Offroad)
An all-around lens that falls on the darker side of the spectrum, but is still able to be used in and out of shaded areas. Think XC-style rides. - Ridescape AR (All-Road)
This lens is aimed at tackling high-glare situations most commonly seen in road riding; the lens is not as dark as the dedicated road lens. - Ridescape BR (Bright)
This lens is for desert riding, think days where you have full sun and no shaded areas. Helps retain contrast and boost color vibrance. - Ridescape Photochromatic
This lens transitions from bright to dark depending on your lighting situation
On test, we have the Technium glasses equipped with the Ridescape TR, a lens that was designed for mixed-use mountain biking. The lens provides enough tint to handle trails with no tree coverage, while also maintaining sufficient clarity when entering the woods. The lenses are, of course, interchangeable, allowing you to pick and choose what is best suited for your riding on any given day. Pricing for the lenses starts at $45 for the Road version and goes up to $70 for the Photochromatic variant. One thing I really like about the leses are the 4 holes positioned in each corner, these are put there to help increase airflow and reduce the risk of fogging. Each lens also features a hydrophobic coating to repel water on rainy days. Each pair includes an additional clear lens option as well.
The Technium frames feature a non-adjustable nose bridge. The material is not stated on the product page, but it is a soft silicone construction that helps grip your skin, keeping the glasses in place. On the arms, the same material can be found to help further keep the glasses from moving around. The material on the arms also helps to better keep the glasses in place when stored on your helmet.
There is a choice of two frame styles for the Technium glasses: standard and “light” with a half-frame. The standard Technium frame tested has a 57mm height and 140mm width. These land in the middle range of sizing when compared to other brands’ offerings.
THE DIRT
I have been using the Shimano Technium Glasses for around a month, only opting for a different pair when riding down in Arizona. While the Trail lenses would have worked for that environment, I would have opted to swap in a darker option for that trip if we had extras on hand. Overall, the Trail Lens has served me well in a variety of conditions. Riders that live in the PNW and are consistently riding in dark, wet forests might be on the fence with the tint, but this is the case with most lenses outside of clears. They are on the lighter side, but still offer some glare reduction for brighter days. When compared to the Oakley Trail Torch lens, they have a bit brighter and more vibrant overall feel.
The overall color tone of the Ridescape TR lens falls on the warm side, with a healthy amount of contrast boosting. They give an overall lifted feel while still cutting out harsh sunlight. I would say offer a solid balance when it comes to being clear enough to see when in the woods, while also shading your eyes so you do not need to squint when faced with direct sun. For winter and shoulder season riding, having the additional vent slits on the lenses has been great. I have yet to have any fogging issues, but this does raise the question about riding in dusty conditions. I feel there may be some dust intrusion when following other riders, but I won’t be able to put that to the test for a few more months.
The fit of the frames works well for my face shape, with the brow portion sitting closer to my forehead than the lower part of the frame. I do get some contact on my forehead if pushing them up into a tight, locked-in position. While this has not caused any issues on the trail, I get some oil smudges on the back of the lens. Having only one set position for the nose bridge has not been an issue for me, but riders with smaller noses might find it a bit troublesome to keep up. Overall, when actually out and riding in the Shimano Technium glasses, it is pretty much problem-free. I have yet to have a situation where mid-trail the glasses need to be adjusted, and for me, that is the most important thing I look for.
When it comes to value, I think Shimano has done a great job giving riders a quality lens to look through with a lightweight frame that fades into the background of your rides. Sure, they are still just over $100, but with some glasses being $150 more, I still would consider this a top value pick for those that are pinching pennies but still want a quality product.
The Wolf’s Last Word
With a frame color for any preference, a variety of lens options, and a price that does not hurt all that bad, the Shimano Technium RS glasses are becoming my new favorite multi-condition glasses option. I like that the lens tint shades bright sunny patches without me feeling blind when entering the woods. 
Price: $110
Website: Ride.shimano.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Cole’s den is in Spokane WA, where he relocated a few years back. Growing up in the lush, loamy playgrounds of the PNW, his soul is forever tied to steep, rooty descents and that unmistakable squish of perfect dirt. After 19 years of shredding, Cole’s been on every kind of rig out there. Once a die-hard fan of big travel bikes, he’s now on a quest for the mythical short-travel do-it-all machine. And yes, skids may be for kids, but this middle-aged manchild is here to prove they’re also for anyone who loves having a damn good time.
Rank: Professional Amateur
Size: 6’1” / 185cm | 170lbs / 77kg
Social: @adventuresbycole
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